British Columbia is an experiment in oppositions: hinterland and
metropolis, urban and rural, resource exploitation and environmental activism --- not to mention the constructs of gender,sexualities, race, and class. New perspectives continue to arise in every discipline, a fact that underlines the importance of position of view --- whether one is looking at B.C. from this side or that of a scholarly continental divide. "Hope" can thus be invoked as a metaphor for British Columbian perspectives: male/female, white/non-white, rich/poor, Interior/Exterior. And, in a province in which the ideology of 'development’ has historically loomed large, the juxtapositions of images and assumptions of just what (or whom)is being ‘developed’ are loaded with political and social meaning.

In keeping with the ‘BC Studies’ tradition, Beyond Hope will be a
three day conference taking a broad perspective on perspective itself.
More than 50 speakers, drawn from 5 countries on 3 continents
representing 15 disciplines will attend. Included in their ranks is a
mix of distinguished scholars, students and independent researchers.
Conference activities include publishers’ displays, a performance by
the Western Canada Theatre Company, an exhibition in conjunction with the Kamloops Art Gallery and Kamloops Museum & Archives, and a tour of the Secwepemc Heritage Museum.

Beyond Hope will take place at the University College of the Cariboo
in Kamloops, B.C. U.C.C. is the site of innovative teaching and
research on many British Columbian themes.

Send comments and questions to H-Net
Webstaff. H-Net reproduces announcements that have been submitted to us as a
free service to the academic community. If you are interested in an announcement
listed here, please contact the organizers or patrons directly. Though we strive
to provide accurate information, H-Net cannot accept responsibility for the text of
announcements appearing in this service. (Administration)